Protective sleeve

ABSTRACT

A cover for encasing threaded rod extending from structural concrete. The cover is in the shape of a cylindrical body having a length at least as long as that portion of the receiving bar extending from the structural concrete and having a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention involves a cover and method for using it forencasing a threaded rod to protect the threaded rod from structuraldebris as it extends from structural concrete.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Virtually all structural concrete must include steel threaded rods whichenhance the structural integrity of the concrete. In addition, it isroutine to provide portions of such threaded rods extending beyond thestructural concrete mass for a number of reasons including their use asanchors to affix the structural concrete to adjacent structuralelements. For example, virtually all buildings begin with concretefoundations. Building codes, particularly in areas prone to earthquakes,require these foundations to be tied into the framework of the structureto prevent it from slipping from the foundation during tremors. As such,threaded rods are virtually always exposed at some point during theconstruction process.

In practice, it has oftentimes been found to be highly desirable toprevent debris, such as splashed concrete from fouling the grooves ofexposed threaded rods as the threaded rods, as noted previously, areintended to tie into other structural members. When structural concreteis formed, the threaded rods are first applied within forms and theconcrete then applied either directly from a concrete mixing vehicle orby shoveling the concrete from an intermediate container, such as awheelbarrow. In either instance, the concrete oftentimes splashes andsticks to surfaces proximate the pour. In anticipating this, workersoftentimes, in an attempt to protect the threaded rod surface will applytape, such as duct tape to it only to be removed after the wet concretehas been applied to its frame or mold. Although the application of tapeis superior to leaving the threaded rod exposed to splashing concrete,it is oftentimes difficult to remove the tape as splashed concretehardens about it. In addition, industrial tape, such as duct tape, canoftentimes not be removed without leaving behind a glue-residue whichcan be almost as unsatisfactory as the hardened concrete that the tapewas intended to isolate from the threaded rod surface.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a means ofprotecting the threaded rod during the application of structuralconcrete and during construction when debris might otherwise foul it.

These and further objects will be more readily apparent when consideringthe following disclosure and appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cover for encasing threaded rod extending from concrete. The covercomprises a cylindrical body having a length at least as long as thatportion of the threaded rod from the structural concrete surface havinga diameter larger than that of the threaded rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of the cover of the present inventionpositioned to fit over threaded rod emanating from structural concrete.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As noted previously, there is an issue involving exposed threaded rodemanating from structural concrete that must be dealt with in the field.Specifically, there is the need to protect the threaded rod fromsplashing concrete or other debris noting that the threaded rod willoftentimes be used as a tie down for adjacent framing and otherstructures.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 showing a segment of structuralconcrete 13 having threaded rod 12 emanate there from. Threaded rod 12is encased by cylindrical cover 10 having a length e sufficient to fullyencircle rod 12 throughout its entire length as measured from thesurface of structural concrete 13. The cylindrical cover 10 is producedand made available on a work site in fairly long standard lengths.

In use, reference is made to FIG. 2. In employing the present inventionresides over exposed rod 12. No longer does one have to concern oneselfwith the rod being compromised by splashing concrete or other debris andnor does one have to wrap rod 12 with tape or other protecting membranewhich is difficult not only to apply but to remove. Also no longer doesone have to apply a protective cap atop the threaded rod as is currentstandard practice, leaving the rod sides unprotected. One would merelyslide cover 10 over threaded rod 12. Once the concrete is poured cover10 would simply be withdrawn from threaded rod and inventoried for lateruse.

The cover is made of plastic and, as a preferred embodiment, thecylindrical body can be color coded to represent differing dimensions.Thus, those in the field could readily identify standard dimensions froma parts bin without the need to measure each cylinder prior to its use.

1. A cover for encasing a threaded rod extending from structuralconcrete, said cover comprising a cylindrical body having a length atleast as long as that portion of said threaded rod extending from saidstructural concrete and a diameter larger than that of said threadedrod.
 2. In combination, a threaded rod and cover for encasing itextending from structural concrete, said cover comprising a cylindricalbody having a length at least as long as that portion of said threadedrod extending from said structural concrete.
 3. A method of encasing thefull length of threaded rod emanating from structural concretecomprising placing over the length of said threaded rod a cylindricalcover having a length and diameter, said length being at least as longas that portion of said threaded rod extending from said structuralconcrete and a diameter larger than said threaded rod.
 4. The cover ofclaim 1 wherein said cylindrical body is color coded representingdiffering dimensions.